Do you bathe your kids when they're poorly?

[Mamabear04]

DC are 4 years and 20 months. They are both ill with slap cheek and whooping cough (both kids have both virus's). I have been giving them bird baths for the past 3 nights but should I give them a proper bath seeing as they're so unwell?

Yes because I think a warm-hot bath or shower helps, helps clear some of the mucus and they sleep better a bit more relaxed.

I always found that it helped to regulate their temperature if they were feverish.

I do if they are capable of it as sometimes it helps relax them and feel a bit better

Yes, always bath as they tend to make you feel better. The steam helps unblock sinuses etc. pour in some bubbles and a couple of toys so it's a fun bath and not rushing it so they get the benefits. Just make sure they have some nice warm pjs to put on after and don't stand around and get chilly as that can make you worse.

if it seems like it will help them feel better, then yes. Sometimes I even move to the big soaking tub in my bathroom where they can get fully immersed.

but if they are just tired and lethargic and need to rest, I have no qualms about skipping a bath entirely for a couple of days.

If they want to, yes. But I certainly wouldn't upset them or force them if they are too poorly and don't want to. They will survive a few days (even weeks!) without a full bath. I'm not suggesting not bathing them for that long, just suggesting to keep a bit of perspective. Literally nothing will happen to them if they don't have a bath for a short period.

If they're REALLY ill I wouldn't bother. If they're just a bit ill then yes, a bath can help them feel better

It depends what sort of form they're in, if they're achy and don't want to be touched/bothered I let them be and just use a wet flannel. If it's a head cold or similar I'll let them have a bath

I didn't. It's unlikely they are dirty.

That's awful. I thought little ones were innoculated against whooping cough.

As others said be guided by how they're feeling.

Yes, it's hygienic and nice for them to feel fresh if they've been vomiting, had diarrhoea or snot encrusted nose.

Not first day when they feel rubbish but then on I say let's wash the germs off, clean sheets too as I think it helps them sleep.

My daughter had the vaccine and has been unwell, including in hospital with it. Vaccination doesn't mean you won't get it

Depends how ill. When DS was in hospital with oxygen, monitors, IV line etc he went almost a week without a proper bath. But colds etc, a bath can be nice.

If they went one then yes

If they don't then no

A Few days with no bath is fine when poorly

I find a warm bath and warm pjs help if I feel crap

• want. Wish could edit on app !!!

I usually will if they are willing, especially if they've been festering in PJs all day. I think its nice for them to freshen up a bit. But if they're making a play for bedtime at 4pm kind of ill ill just skip it and get them straight to bed

Yeah I think a nice soak in a warm bath can be quite soothing. I don’t do a full hair wash etc but yes I still bath mine everyday as normal.